Convertible furniture

ABSTRACT

A convertible seat and bed structure which features simplicity of construction in the absence of complex and costly linkages, ease of operation, and a range of adjustments to various use positions. The arrangement is such that upholstered surfaces utilized for seating are different from surfaces utilized for sleeping, and therefore, double-duty surfaces are eliminated and wear is reduced.

U United States Patent 3,596,984

[ 72] Inventors Melvin R. Jones [56] Reiarences Ci d si f' g F t we J hC UNlTED STATES PATENTS rcor eruzzi, oresv ;0sep Perm Fomvme' all of Md.3,504,940 4/1970 Fnese 297/105 [21] Appl. No. 818,266 FOREIGN PATENTS[22] Filed Apr. 22,1969 562,542 9/1958 Canada 5/29 [45] Patented Aug. 3,1971 Primar y Examiner-James C. Mitchell [73] Asslgnee Victor Stanley,Inc. k

Dunkirk, Md. Attorney Mason, Fenwic 8: Lawrence ABSTRACT: A convertibleseat and lbed structure which fea- [54] :Y tures simplicity ofconstruction in the absence of complex and costly linkages, ease ofoperation, and a range of adjustments [$2] U.S. Cl. 297/105 to varioususe positions. The arrangement is such that uphol- [51] Int. Cl. A47c13/00 stered surfaces utilized for seating are different from surfaces[50] Field olSearch 297/105, utilized for sleeping, and therefore,double-duty surfaces are eliminated and wear is reduced.

PATENIED ms 3 I97! SHEET 1 [IF 2 PATENTED AUG 3 l9?! SHEET 2 BF 2CONVERTIBLE FURNITURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A need exists for aconvertible seat and bed unit which is economical and substantially freeof awkward mechanical linkages and therefore entirely practical. Similardevices of the prior art have suffered from complexity of constructionand operation and therefore have been expensive to manufacture andgenerally too costly to interest a consumer. The present inventionovercomes these and other difficulties of the prior art through theprovision of an extremely sturdy convertible seat and bed unit which islightweight and very easy to manipulate and has a variety of usepositions rendering the furniture article highly versatile and also neatand attractive. It may serve as an upholstered chair which is adjustableto the users leg length. as a chaise lounge and as a fully extended bedhaving a level and even cushioned sleeping surface. The structurepossesses a unique folding and sliding mode of operation which is theessence ofthe simplified adjustability of the furniture article. Otherfeatures and advantages of the structure will appear during the courseof the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES FIG. I is a perspective view of a convertibleseat and bed structure arranged in the seat or chair use position.

FIG. 2 is a partly exploded perspective view, with parts broken away,illustrating the manipulation ofthe structure.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the structure, partly in section,showing an intermediate use position.

FIG. 4 is a similar view showing an extended use position of thestructure as a lounge.

FIG. 5 is a further side elevational view, partly in section, showingthe device arranged for use as a bed.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section taken substantiallyon line 6-6 of FIG. 2 and illustrating a bearing track means utilized inthe device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawingsin detail, wherein like numerals designate like parts, the numeral 10designates a main frame which is essentially U-shaped and consists of aback 11 and spaced parallel sides 12 which serve as arm portions, FIG.1, when the device is used as a chair. The forward side of the mainframe 10 is open and unobstructed as shown clearly in FIGS. I and 2. Themain frame 10 is readily constructed of sturdy lumber and is upholsteredin a desirable manner and constitutes the basic support for adjustablecomponents, to be described. The frame sides 12 include intermediateheight horizontal rails 13 which support an extensible and retractablelow friction track unit 14 on each side of the main frame whose detailsand operation will be further described.

The furniture unit further comprises an articulated support assembly 15comprising a first rectangular cushioned and upholstered section 16 anda second rectangular cushioned and upholstered section 17. The twosections 16 and I7 have suitable conventional rigid frames. The twosections 16 and 17 of support assembly 15 are hingedly connected as at18 by a hinge means which extends transversely across the two sectionsat their lower edges, see FIG. 4. The support section 17 has a frontalleg, panel 19 rigid therewith and depending therefrom as shownsubstantially at right angles thereto. Adjacent the hinge '18 onopposite sides of the support assembly 15, folding leg. braces 20 areprovided, each consisting of a pair of bars 21 hingedly connected attheir lower ends by a hinge 22 and having their upper ends connected tothe bottoms of sections 16 and 17 by hinges 23 disposed on oppositesides ofthe hinge 18, FIG. 4. The leg braces 20 are adapted to open upand assume supporting positions beneath the hinge 18 when the assembly15 is extended, FIG. 4, and to close and lie between the supportsections 16 and 17 toward the rear thereofwhen the assembly 15 is foldedas in FIG. 3.

The foldable support assembly 15 is connected adjustably with the mainframe 10 through a transverse trunnion shaft 24 anchored to the frame25, FIG. 6, of support section 16 close to the bottom and rear endthereof. The ends of trunnion shaft 24 are received in sleeve bearings26 lying immediately above track units 14 and preferably welded to theupper track section 27 of each track unit as shown clearly in FIG. 6.The support section 16 is therefore pivotally supported on track section27 at each side of the structure and in turn each track unit issupported on one of the rails 13 of the main frame.

Each track unit 14 further includes a lower track section 28 securedfixedly to the underlying rail .13 and the two track sections 27 and 28are interconnected for relative movement with minimum friction by ballbearing means 29, as shown. Each track unit is therefore extensible andretractable forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the supporting mainframe 10. The entire support assembly 15 will therefore be shiftedforwardly and rearwardly relative to the frame 10 as the track units areextended and retracted.

The structure further comprises a cushion or bolster 30 which is animportant component in the convertible seat and bed device utilized inall use positions of the device although in a different attitude in someof the use positions. As shown, the bolster 30 is in the form of atruncated right triangle as viewed from the end, FIG. 4, and hasparallel top and bottom faces 31 and 32, the lower face beingconsiderably wider than the top face, a rear face 33 perpendicular tothe faces 31 and 32 and a front diagonal or inclined face 34 which formsa backrest when the convertible assembly is employed as a chair or seat.As shown in FIG. I, the bolster 30 is sufficiently long to span theentire distance between the frame sides 12 or arms. The bolster 30 is afree element and can be removed readily and manipulated as desired.FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 show the bolster 30 employed as a backrest when theconvertible assembly is in use as a chair or lounge. In this situation,the bottom surface 32 of the bolster rests directly on the supportsection 16 or 17 and the surface 33 is vertically disposed against theback ll of main frame I0.

The structure further comprises a depressed horizontal shelf member 35near and slightly above the bottom of the main frame 10 and rigidtherewith. The shelf member 35 extends forwardly from the back ll of themain frame but terminates near the longitudinal center of the main frameas at 36. The shelf 35 is at an elevation considerably below the rails13 and associated tracks 14. The shelf 35 serves a twofold purpose inthe invention. When the support assembly 15 is folded as in FIGS. I and3 to a chair-forming position, the underlying section 16 of thisassembly lies upon and is supported by the sturdy shelf 35 and the broadarea of contact between the shelf and section I6 avoids marking ordisfiguring the upholstered surface of the section 16. Secondly, whenthe assembly is extended to bed-forming position, FIG. 5, the shelf 35serves to support the bolster 30 in the second use position of thebolster wherein its face 33 is uppermost and level and in a commonhorizontal plane with the top faces of the extended support sections 16and 17. At this time, the bolster face 31 is abutting the back I] of themain frame and the face 32 is opposing and substantially abutting therear edge ofsupport section 16, FIG. 5. The diagonal face 34 is arrangedlowermost and the corner or apex of the bolster is engaging the shelf35. A transverse horizontal ledge support member 37 is also provided asan integral part ofthe main frame 10 at an elevation above the shelf 35and near the tracks 14 and this ledge support member engages andsupports the rear portion of the bolster 30 while the same is positionedto form part ofa bed surface. The structure in FIG. 5 produces a fulllength, deeply cushioned sleep support or bed and the frame sides 12serving as arms in the chair of FIG. I constitute protective sides orguards for the sleeper. An ordinary pillow may, if desired, be used ontop of the bolster 30 in FIG. 5.

In view of the foregoing description and drawings, it is believed thatthe operation of the convertible structure is substantially clear.Howeven'to summarize, the support assembly is folded by breaking thehinge l8 upwardly, FlG. 2, and pivoting around the axis of trunnionshaft 24 until the section 17 is superimposed on the section 16 and thelatter rests upon the shelf 35. At this time, the folded assembly 15 maybe pushed rearwardly until there is contact with the main frame back 1 land the leg panel 19 is flush with the front of the chair as in FIG. 1.There will then be substantially no gap beneath the bolster, such as thegap 38 in FIG. 3.

This gap, shown in FIG. 3, does no harm and is developed when the foldedassembly 15 is pulled forwardly slightly on the track assemblies 14 tolengthen the seating surface which may be more comfortable for very tallindividuals. The tracks 14 allow easy forward and rear shifting of theassembly 15 at all 7 times.

FIG. 4 shows the next possible use position of the device where thesupport assembly 15 has been unfolded or extended so that the sections16 and 17 are horizontal and in the same plane. The trunnion shaft 24 isnear the rear limit of its movement with track section 27 and the leg 19and brace legs are engaging the floor. The bolster 30 remainsessentially in the same position shown in FIG. 3. The device now servesas a chaise lounge where the user may sit up with his or her legssupported horizontally. FIG. 2 clearly shows how the support assembly 15is folded and unfolded by hand and with the aid of the foot on a smalltread plate 39. This figure also shows how the unfolded support assemblycan move forwardly or rearwardly relative to the main frame 10, byvirtue of the linear track structure.

FIG. 5 depicts the device positioned as a bed as previously described.After unfolding the support assembly 15, the same is pulled forwardly toa position such as shown in broken lines to allow easy placement of thebolster 30 onto the shelf 35. Following this, the assembly 15 is pushedrearwardly until the section 16 is substantially against the bolstersurface 32.

The great versatility of the convertible unit and its simplicity andsturdy structure should now be readily apparent and it is thought thatno further explanation is required.

We claim:

l. A convertible seat and bed structure comprising a main I relativelystationary U-shaped frame including a back portion and spaced sideportions, a support assembly, said support assembly including a pair ofhingedly connected support sections foldable one upon the othersubstantially within the confines of said main frame to provide aresultant seat, forwardly and rearwardly movable pivot connection meansconnecting said support assembly and said U-shaped frame so that saidsupport assembly can be withdrawn from said U-shaped frame varyingdistances while either folded or unfolded, a bolster separate from themain frame and said support assembly and being in the form of atruncated substantially right triangle in cross section having paralleltop and bottom faces, a rear face perpendicular to said top and bottomfaces and a front inclined face, said bolster being positionable in afirst-use position as a seat backrest in which said bottom face isplaced upon the folded support assembly at the rearmost portion of saidfolded support assembly with said rear face engaging said back portionof said U-shaped frame and a second-use position as a headrest when saidsupport assembly is unfolded and extended, a transversely extendingshelf element on said U- shaped frame positioned adjacent the backportion and adjacent the bottom of said U-shaped frame and extendingbetween said spaced side portions of said U-shaped frame for engagingand supporting the rearmost portion of said folded support assembly whensaid folded support assembly is within the confines of said main frameto provide a resultant seat and a horizontal ledge support in said backportion of said U- shaped frame positioned at a higher level than saidshelf element whereby said bolster when placed in its second-useposition is positioned so that the portion of said diagonal face of saidbolster adjacent said top face is engageable with said horizontal ledgesupport and the other edge of said diagonal face adjacent said bottomface is engageable with said transversely extending shelf so that saidrear face is oriented horizontally in substantial alignment with theupper surface of said support sections of said unfolded and extendedsupport assembly.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said forwardly and rearwardlymovable pivot connection means includes first and second horizontallinear track units mounted in said spaced side portions of said U-shapedframe, a trunnion shaft connected to one of said support sections alongan edge of said support section opposite the pivotal connection of saidsupport section to the other support section and a sleeve bearingconnected to the opposite ends of said trunnion shaft and mounted forlinear movement along said track units.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said bottom face of said bolster issubstantially wider than said top face of said bolster and the topsurface of said ledge support is spaced above the top surface of saidtransversely extending shelf a distance approximately equal to thedifference in width of the top and bottom faces of said bolster.

1. A convertible seat and bed structure comprising a main relativelystationary U-shaped frame including a back portion and spaced sideportions, a support assembly, said support assembly including a pair ofhingedly connected support sections foldable one upon the othersubstantially within the confines of said main frame to provide aresultant seat, forwardly and rearwardly movable pivot connection meansconnecting said support assembly and said U-shaped frame so that saidsupport assembly can be withdrawn from said U-shaped frame varyingdistances while either folded or unfoldeD, a bolster separate from themain frame and said support assembly and being in the form of atruncated substantially right triangle in cross section having paralleltop and bottom faces, a rear face perpendicular to said top and bottomfaces and a front inclined face, said bolster being positionable in afirst-use position as a seat backrest in which said bottom face isplaced upon the folded support assembly at the rearmost portion of saidfolded support assembly with said rear face engaging said back portionof said U-shaped frame and a second-use position as a headrest when saidsupport assembly is unfolded and extended, a transversely extendingshelf element on said U-shaped frame positioned adjacent the backportion and adjacent the bottom of said U-shaped frame and extendingbetween said spaced side portions of said U-shaped frame for engagingand supporting the rearmost portion of said folded support assembly whensaid folded support assembly is within the confines of said main frameto provide a resultant seat and a horizontal ledge support in said backportion of said U-shaped frame positioned at a higher level than saidshelf element whereby said bolster when placed in its second-useposition is positioned so that the portion of said diagonal face of saidbolster adjacent said top face is engageable with said horizontal ledgesupport and the other edge of said diagonal face adjacent said bottomface is engageable with said transversely extending shelf so that saidrear face is oriented horizontally in substantial alignment with theupper surface of said support sections of said unfolded and extendedsupport assembly.
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said forwardly andrearwardly movable pivot connection means includes first and secondhorizontal linear track units mounted in said spaced side portions ofsaid U-shaped frame, a trunnion shaft connected to one of said supportsections along an edge of said support section opposite the pivotalconnection of said support section to the other support section and asleeve bearing connected to the opposite ends of said trunnion shaft andmounted for linear movement along said track units.
 3. The invention ofclaim 2 wherein said bottom face of said bolster is substantially widerthan said top face of said bolster and the top surface of said ledgesupport is spaced above the top surface of said transversely extendingshelf a distance approximately equal to the difference in width of thetop and bottom faces of said bolster.